Associate Director - Cost Intelligence & Estimating - PMCM

WSP in the UK & Ireland; West of England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an Associate Director to lead cost intelligence, estimating and benchmarking for major infrastructure programmes. You will deliver high‑quality services across the full project lifecycle, from strategic advice and business case development through procurement support and cost planning.

You will mentor teams, build client relationships and help win new opportunities while advancing capability across water and energy sectors.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in water or energy sectors including estimating and benchmarking at various design stages.
• Senior-level cost/commercial leadership, business case development, investment appraisal or strategic cost advice at programme level.
• Ability to develop, mentor and grow a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of estimating, cost intelligence and benchmarking for major programmes across infrastructure sectors.
• Provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle from early-stage advice to procurement and cost management.
• Build client relationships, shape opportunities and grow WSP’s presence in key markets.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Mentoring

Presentations

Education

MRICS or similar commercial qualification

Tools

CostX

CEMAR

Job description

A Little More About Your Role

As an Associate Director within our Cost Intelligence and Estimating team, you will lead the delivery of high-quality estimating, cost intelligence and benchmarking services for major programmes and projects across infrastructure and built environment sectors. You will provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, from early‑stage strategic advice and business case development through to procurement support, cost planning and commercial management during delivery, helping clients make confident, evidence‑based investment decisions. This role combines deep technical estimating expertise with strategic and managerial responsibility. You will be expected to lead complex commissions, build trusted client relationships, shape and win new opportunities, and grow WSP’s presence in key markets and sectors. You will also play a central role in developing our team through line management, mentoring and technical leadership, ensuring high standards of delivery while supporting capability growth and the development of future talent.

Required Qualifications

• MRICS or similar commercial qualification
• Demonstrable extensive experience in water or energy sectors, including applicable knowledge, ability and experience with regard to estimating and benchmarking at various design stages, digital tools, procurement, and pre‑ and post‑contract cost and commercial management
• Demonstrable management, project leadership and delivery experience in cost and/or commercial matters at senior level and/or in complex environments, including business case development, investment appraisal, or strategic cost advice at programme level
• Ability to develop, mentor and grow a team
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Are confident in identifying growth opportunities and supporting or leading bids, proposals and work‑winning activities
• Are experienced in either the water or energy sectors
• Possess familiarity with relevant specialist software such as CostX and CEMAR
• Evidence wider professional contribution through external recognition, networks or best practice development
• Hold working knowledge/experience of NEC Contracts and other industry‑standard contract forms
• Have transferable experience across other regulated infrastructure markets

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.